December 20 - Greenbelt News Review

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Page 8 GREENBELT NEWS REVIEW Thursday, December 20, 2007 A Review of Greenbelt Concerts Greenbelt is fortunate to have great winter holiday musical events during the city’s Festival of Lights. The Greenbelt Combined Choir performs on several occasions with their main concert, Make a Joyful Noise, held December 9. The Prince George’s Choral Society treated Greenbelters and others to Christmas music on Saturday, December 15. Unfortunately I could not attend that event. The Greenbelt Concert Band’s annual Holiday Lights Concert was on Sunday, December 16. This Saturday, December 22 the Chromatics return to the Greenbelt Arts Center stage for their holiday concert, “Toasted for the Holidays.” If you have not yet seen this top notch group of Goddard space scientists sing in harmony, catch them if you can Saturday at 8 p.m. The Greenbelt Combined Choir had been a long-time holiday tradition that ceased performing a few years back due to the retirement of their accompanist Muriel Balzaar and Director Jean Cook’s desire to take life a little easier. But the choir reformed and we’re happy that they did. The choir is now under the co-direction of Cook and Christopher Fominaya. Fominaya first sang with the choir as a teen. Now a teacher of music in the county school system, he has become a master of many musical talents. Susan Breon, another longtime choir participant, is now the group’s accompanist. Most of the members of the combined choir are choir members in Greenbelt or nearby churches. Others join this group just for the short term duration that it performs. Greenbelt Community Church was nearly filled for this year’s candlelight concert. Those attending enjoyed a wonderful program of seasonal Christmas music, some very familiar and others less so. Intermixed were a number of familiar carols to which the audience joined in singing. The audience was in good voice. The choir, too, was in good voice and performed its various tasks most competently. Of particular note was the skillful blending of voices in Randall Thompson’s difficult “Allelulia.” Other highlights of the evening were the performances by Lisa and Mark Gransfors-Hunt, newcomers to the Greenbelt scene, who sang solo parts in Christina Rosetti and Gustav Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter” and Ruth Schram’s “We Await You.” Another outstanding performance was the duet performed by Jenna Koepf and Chris Fominaya. These two young performers have sung together before at Greenbelt Community Church. Their performance of “The Prayer” by Carol Bayer Sager and David Foste was a joy to the ears. Besides the wonderful music, many attendees look forward to this annual concert for the fellowship and good food found at the traditional pre-performance spaghetti supper arranged by the Fominaya family–Tony Fominaya is a master chef–and the great array of homemade holiday treats provided by choir members, punch and coffee that follows the concert. Concert Band Tom Cherrix, who took on the announcing chores as well as most by Jim Giese of the directing chores, told the crowd attending this year’s holiday concert that he had now been with the band 33 years, 14 as its conductor. Before then he was a clarinetist, band manager and principal spokesperson in seeking financial support. Over that time Cherrix has seen a great deal of improvement in the size and quality of performance of this citysupported group and he can take a lot of credit for it. This year’s top-notch concert was again the traditional mix of familiar pieces with new selections intermixed. Once again there were the three sleigh ride pieces, Wolfgang Mozart’s “The Sleigh Ride,” Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and, of course, “Jingle Bells.” This time the latter was performed as “Jingle Bells Rhapsody,” a J. Pierpont rendition. It is an interesting piece with the familiar tune played in various styles, as it might be in an opera a grand Viennese waltz, a cha-cha-cha or a symphonic grand finale. Assistant Conductor Jim Moore led the band in “A Fireside Christmas,” an arrangement of traditional holiday melodies by James Swearingen. Moore also sang solo in the program’s finale, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks, leading an audience sing-along with a flashing red nose and scarlet antlers. Before playing a Morton Gould arrangement of “Adeste Fideles”, Cherrix received a request from a band member to re-tuneup. Cherrix explained that the piece was a challenge to play and the members wished to be at their best. The piece consisted of sonorous chords and organ like tones requiring synchronous sound from all the instruments. The band met the challenge well. Guest Performer Each year the band has a guest performer. This year Yvonne Williams-Battle was invited. She is a church soloist and gospel singer. Williams-Battle got off to a shaky start singing “O! Holy Night” with band accompaniment. Part of the problem was that her positioning made it difficult to view Cherrix to follow his lead and turning to see him pulled her away from the microphone. Her voice had trouble competing with the full sound of the band. Also, from where I was sitting, she was to my left but her voice was coming from a speaker to my right. As the piece progressed, however, Williams-Battle became more comfortable with the situation and her pleasant voice blended better with the band. For her second piece Williams- Battle sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The band used an arrangement prepared by Cherrix who informed us that he just could not find a satisfactory arrangement of the piece for band and soloist. His arrangement worked. The band played in softer tones enabling Battle-Williams voice to become the lead instrument. She also seemed more comfortable with the more contemporary musical style and was rewarded with applause and cheers from the audience. Sing-along The top music critics are noted for their ability to pan poor performances with acid tongue. Maybe I have a chance to join their ranks even though I have no musical talent. The program included two selections from George Handel’s “The Messiah.” The first was the overture. Having a concert band play that music made for a surprisingly rich performance. Various members of the band were able to show off their talents as melodic variations were tossed about from one instrument section to another. This the band did well. Next came the “Hallelujah Chorus.” I found no fault with the band’s performance of this work either. However, Cherrix asked the audience to sing along. Words and music had been distributed to all. I now have a better appreciation of a chorus performing this work. I saw a “Messiah” sing-along once by the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. That audience was loaded with top-notch amateur performers who brought their own music and sang with gusto. There was also a chorus on stage to help the audience keep its place. Those of us who could not sing well kept silent and listened The Greenbelt audience stank. There were all those notes and one Hallelujah after another to sing. We quickly became lost as to just which hallelujah we were hallelujahing. The result was little audience sound that was mostly out of synch. I would suggest for next year a less complicated piece for a singalong. “Rudolph” worked well. Or perhaps a better audience. HERBERT WELLS ICE RINK 5211 Paint Branch Parkway College Park, MD. 301-277-3717 HOLIDAY ICE SKATING SCHEDULE Monday, December 24 th 9:00am – 11:00am SUPER SAVER 12:00pm – 2:00pm SUPER SAVER Tuesday, December 25 th CLOSED Wednesday, December 26 th 12:00pm – 2:00pm SUPER SAVER 3:30pm – 5:30pm SUPER SAVER 7:00pm – 9:00pm SUPER SAVER Thursday, December 27 th 12:00pm – 2:00pm SUPER SAVER 3:30pm – 5:30pm SUPER SAVER 8:00pm – 9:30pm Roosevelt Alumni Game 10:00pm – 12:00am Adults Special Friday, December 28 th 12:00pm – 2:00pm SUPER SAVER 3:30pm – 5:30pm SUPER SAVER 8:00pm – 10:00pm SUPER SAVER Saturday, December 29 th 2:00pm – 4:00pm SUPER SAVER 8:00pm – 10:00pm SUPER SAVER Sunday, December 30 th 1:00pm – 3:00pm FAMILY SKATE 5:30pm – 7:30pm SUPER SAVER Beltway Plaza Toy Drive Starts with a Parade The Annual Beltway Plaza Toy Drive kicked off with a parade around the shopping center complete with marching bands, local community organizations and Santa Claus. Unwrapped toys can be donated until Christmas Eve in collection bins at Beltway Plaza Mall, Greenbelt Co-op and Greenbelt Community Center. Monday, December 31 st 9:00am –11:00am SUPER SAVER 12:00pm – 2:00pm SUPER SAVER Tuesday, January 1 st 12:00pm – 2:00pm SUPER SAVER 3:30pm – 5:30pm SUPER SAVER SUPER SAVER $4.00 INCLUDES ADMISSION & SKATE RENTAL FREE CARDIO WORKOUT CLASS TUESDAY & THURSDAY 6:15pm COUPON GOOD STARTING 01/03/08 HAPPY NEW YEAR PHOTO BY JAMES SANBORN
Page 10 GREENBELT NEWS REVIEW Thursday, December 20, 2007 Based on information released by the Greenbelt Police Department, http://www.greenbeltmd.gov/police/index.htm, link in left frame to “Weekly Report” or http://www.greenbeltmd.gov/police/weekly_report.pdf. Dates and times are those when police were first contacted about incidents. Attempted Murder December 10, 5:58 p.m., 5900 block Cherrywood Terrace, an officer on patrol heard what was believed to be the sound of several gunshots nearby. The apartment was located and the occupants were found to be uninjured. The occupants reported that they were in their residence when they answered a knock at their front door. When they opened the door a man produced a handgun and attempted to force his way into the apartment. The victims were able to close the door on the man to keep him from gaining entry. A short time later several shots were fired into the rear sliding glass door of their residence and the man was observed running from the area. The suspect is described as a black male, 19 to 20 years of age, 5’7” to 5’9”, 130 to 150 pounds with black hair in short dreadlocks and a dark complexion. He had a goatee and was wearing a black Northface coat and blue jeans. Attempted Rape December 9, 6:44 p.m., 7100 block Lake Drive, a woman reported that she was walking home when she was grabbed by a young man and dragged to the backyard area of a nearby townhome. The man punched the woman several times and attempted to sexually assault her but she was able to fight off her attacker and scream for help. The man fled the scene in the general direction of Schrom Hills Park; the woman was treated on the scene by ambulance personnel for minor cuts. The suspect is described as a black male, 16 to 25 years of age, 5’9” with a medium build, wearing all black clothing, a black scarf and black gloves. Assault December 8, 11 p.m., 5900 block Cherrywood Lane, a man reported that he was involved in a verbal argument with a man that became physical during a birthday party. The man then stabbed him in the arm with an unknown object and fled the scene. The victim declined to be transported by ambulance personnel for treatment. The suspect is described as a Latino male in his 30s with a heavy build and short black hair, wearing a white shirt. Robbery December 11, 2:45 p.m., Beltway Plaza, a woman reported that she was walking to her vehicle in the shopping center parking lot when she was approached by a man who grabbed her, displayed a knife and demanded money. After obtaining a Metro fare card from her, he fled the scene on foot. The suspect is described as a black male, 5’5” to 5’6”, 145 to 150 pounds with brown eyes, wearing light blue pants and a black ski-type mask. Weapon Arrest December 7, 6 p.m., Eleanor Roosevelt High School, a resident Police Blotter youth was arrested for concealed deadly weapon after a knife fell out of his pocket during class. He was suspended and released pending action by the Board of Education and the juvenile justice system. Disorderly Conduct December 8, 12:35 a.m., 7200 block Hanover Drive, a nonresident man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He was asked by management to leave Willy K’s Bar and Restaurant for acting in a disorderly fashion. He refused to cease his disorderly behavior and was arrested. The man was released on citation pending trial. Theft December 11, 12:10 p.m., Eleanor Roosevelt High School, two resident youths were arrested for theft after allegedly stealing clothing and shoes from a locker. Both youths were released pending action by the Board of Education and the juvenile justice system. School Disruption December 11, 12:10 p.m., Eleanor Roosevelt High School, two resident youths were arrested for disruption of school activities after they were involved in an incident in the cafeteria. One allegedly threw a chair and the other food. Both were released pending action by the Board of Education and the juvenile justice system. Malicious Destruction December 8, 7:47 p.m., Beltway Plaza, two nonresident youths were arrested for malicious destruction after they were observed spray painting graffiti on the walls at Beltway Plaza mall. The youths were released to parents pending action by the juvenile justice system. Vandalism December 10, 7:49 p.m., 8100 block Lakecrest Drive, it was reported that someone used broke out the side window of a residence. Open Alcohol December 8, 2:38 p.m., 6200 block Breezewood Drive, a resident man was arrested and charged with drinking in public after he was observed by police drinking an alcoholic beverage. He was released on citation pending trial. Burglaries December 7, 7:32 a.m., 6100 block Springhill Terrace, it was reported that someone entered a residence by forcing open a living room window. A wedding ring was taken. December 10, 12:41 p.m., 7200 block Hanover Parkway, a commercial burglary was reported. December 12, 7:54 p.m., 7700 block Greenbrook Drive, it was reported that someone entered a residence possibly by forcing open a basement window. Among the items taken were a television, a video game player Youth Arrested For Auto Theft A resident youth was arrested in the 6000 block Springhill Drive and charged with motor vehicle theft and theft. Police responded to a report of a stolen auto and took a report. Later the woman who reported the theft called back to report that a youth had driven her vehicle back to the scene. A description was given for the youth who was located in a residence nearby. The youth was positively identified, arrested and transported to Boy’s Village in Cheltenham pending action by the juvenile justice system. Carjacking Suspect Sentenced in Court An armed carjacking that was reported November 27, 2006, near Edmonston Terrace and Breezewood Court, resulted in the arrest of William McKnight, 28, of 6122 Breezewood Court. He was found guilty in Prince George's Circuit Court of armed carjacking, two counts of robbery, two counts of second-degree assault and theft. McKnight was sentenced to 60 years in jail for these charges and an additional 15 years for violation of probation. and a laptop computer. Vehicle Crimes The following vehicles were reported stolen: a maroon 2000 Dodge Caravan, Nebraska tags PD0767; a 2001 Chrysler 300M 4-door from the 6000 block Springhill Drive; a green 1995 Honda Accord 4-door, Maryland tags 8BGM43 from the 7800 block Hanover Parkway; a gray 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Maryland tags 703M523 from the 5900 block Cherrywood Lane; a white 1995 Dodge Neon 4-door, Maryland tags 1CJE82 from the 6200 block Springhill Court; a gold 2005 Toyota Camry 4-door, Maryland tags 5CYM87 from the 5800 block Cherrywood Lane; and a blue 1996 Dodge Caravan, Maryland 669M077 from the 9000 block Breezewood Terrace. Three vehicles were recovered, two by Greenbelt police and one by an outside department. No arrests were made. Theft from, attempted theft of and vandalism to vehicles were reported in the following areas: Beltway Plaza (two incidents), 6200 block Breezewood Drive, 9100 block Edmonston Terrace, Market Lane, 7500 and 7800 blocks Hanover Parkway, 7600 block Mandan Road and 7800 block Emily’s Way. The Department is offering a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in any of the unsolved crimes reported in the blotter. People may anonymously report suspected drug activity by calling the Drug Tip Line at 301-507-6522. Firefighters from several communities respond to the scene of an upstairs fire at 7 Court Research Road on Sunday evening, December 16. One resident was injured. Research Road Fire Sunday Sends Resident to Hospital A Greenbelt man was displaced after fire erupted in his Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) unit on Sunday, December 16. Just after 7 p.m. fire trucks from Branchville, Berwyn Heights, West Lanham Hills and surrounding fire departments were called to 7 Research Road for smoke coming from the dwelling. Units arrived on the scene and reported an active fire on the top floor of the unit (not in the unit for which the “for sale” sign can be seen in the photo). Using an aggressive approach, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control. Four adjacent units suffered minor damage at least partly attributed to precautions taken by the firefighters to assure there was no fire within the walls. Fire investigators suspect that improperly discarded smoking happy holidays & season’s greetings From Greenbelt Auto & Truck Wear White at Night so drivers can see you! PHOTO BY JIM DAVIS materials caused the fire. An adult male was transported to a local hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns. Residents of the other units were apparently unharmed. Fire loss is estimated at $5,000. On Monday, December 17, GHI inspected all affected units to ameliorate damage and ensure safety. GHI immediately initiated an insurance claim via the GHI master policy to expedite physical repairs. GHI reminds members and others that it is very important to have personal homeowners’ insurance (HO-6 insurance), which provides coverage for personal property, personal liability and loss of use in cases when the home cannot be inhabited during repair or rehabilitation.
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December 20 - Greenbelt News Review

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